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Almost half of Canadians struggle to fall or stay asleep, and about one in six meet criteria for insomnia disorder. Insomnia increases the risk of depression, hypertension, and accidents both at work and on the road. Yet, despite limited long-term effectiveness – and real health risks – sleeping pills remain the preferred treatment.

Now, a Canadian research team led by Queen’s University sleep expert Judith Davidson has developed a stepped-care model that makes cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) – the recommended first-line treatment – far more accessible and equitable.

How it works
Self-guided strategies form the foundation. Primary care providers and community pharmacists deliver targeted interventions
Specialized CBT-I providers and behavioural sleep experts step in only when needed. This flexible model ensures people get the right care at the right time, while also helping to reduce dependence on chronic sedative prescriptions.

The findings are published in the

To interview Dr. Davidson, contact 

Julie Brown, Manager, Media Relations
brown.julie@queensu.ca
343-363-2763

Andrew Carroll, Media Relations Officer
andrew.carroll@queensu.ca
613-876-8059